On Campus
NASA pioneer to deliver commencement address May 5
Celebrated NASA pioneer and internationally-known researcher Dr. Christine Mann Darden, whose 40-year career was amongst those highlighted in The New York Times bestselling book “Hidden Figures,” will serve as the principal speaker at Muskingum University’s 173rd commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 5. Dr. Darden was the first African-American woman to be promoted into the Senior Executive Service for her work in high-speed aerodynamics, supersonic flight and sonic booms.
“Dr. Darden is an exceptional example of the profound impact an individual can have on the world around her in service to others,” said Muskingum University President Susan S. Hasseler. “Her innate curiosity, fierce determination and perseverance led her to break new ground through her scientific achievements and her climb to NASA’s executive leadership level. We are very pleased she will provide inspiration and encouragement for our graduating students this year.”
In preparation for Dr. Darden’s commencement address, Muskingum is planning several special events around campus that the public is invited to attend, including:
- A special display in the Roberta A. Smith University Library highlighting Dr. Darden’s career achievements and impact, beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, April 23;
- A screening of the film “Hidden Figures,” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2, in the Smith University Library Colloquium;
- A community presentation by Dr. Darden at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4, in the Smith University Library Colloquium;
- Undergraduate commencement, at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, in the Anne C. Steele Center.
For more information about Dr. Darden Events
Dr. Darden was first hired in 1967 as a Computer/Data Analyst at NASA’s Langley Research Center in the Re-Entry Physics branch. The non-fiction book “Hidden Figures,” authored by Margot Lee Shetterly in 2016, describes Darden’s career advancements and her work alongside fellow trailblazing female African-American NASA Computers such as Katherine Johnson, who performed calculations that were critical to the success of the first U.S. manned spaceflights, including the first U.S. orbital flight by John H. Glenn, Jr. ’43 in 1962. Portions of Shetterly’s book served as the basis of an Oscar-nominated Major Motion Picture by the same name released in December 2016.
“I am incredibly grateful to have stood on the shoulders of the women like Katherine Johnson who came before me, and it is humbling to think that those who come after me could be standing on mine,” said Dr. Darden. “Passion drives success, and the students graduating from Muskingum University this year have an amazing opportunity to take their own passions and make their impact on the world. I’m honored to have been asked to share in the joy and celebration of their very special day.”
Following Dr. Darden’s first five years as a NASA Computer/Data Analyst, she transferred to an engineering section working on the softening of the sonic boom that accompanied supersonic flight. She served as a Senior Program Manager in NASA's High Speed Research Program Office, and for nearly 30 years as an internationally-known researcher in the areas of high-speed aerodynamics and sonic boom.
Additionally, she served as Director of the Aero Performing Center Program Management Office, overseeing NASA Langley’s work in Rotorcraft, Efficient Engine Technology, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and Air Traffic Management, and as Assistant Director for Planning, where she was responsible for Langley’s strategic planning process and delivery on commitments. In 2004, she accepted her final assignment at Langley as Director of the Office of Strategic Communications and Education, responsible for the Center’s external and internal communications, community outreach, governmental relations and educational outreach. Dr. Darden retired as a member of the Senior Executive Service in March 2007.
During her NASA career, Dr. Darden authored more than 57 technical papers and articles, primarily in the areas of sonic boom prediction, sonic boom minimization and supersonic wing design, and delivered technical presentations in Germany, England, France, Greece and Japan.
Her multiple awards and honors include two NASA Medals, in recognition for her role in the Sonic Boom Program and for her activities encouraging students to pursue math and science careers. She also received the Black Engineer of the Year Outstanding Achievement in Government Award and the Women in Science & Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award.
The youngest of five children and the daughter of an insurance agent and a teacher, Dr. Darden is a native of Monroe, NC and a graduate of Allen High School, a United Methodist boarding school in Asheville, NC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Hampton Institute (now University) in Hampton, VA, a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from Virginia State College (now University) in Petersburg, VA, and a Doctor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from George Washington University in Washington, DC. Darden also holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Management from Simmons College Graduate School of Management in Boston, MA.
Muskingum University’s 173rd commencement ceremony will be streamed live, beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at muskingum.edu/Live.
